HIITS remain a significant driver of cross-border trade thanks to its partnerships with key government-backed associations and institutions.

“We collaborate with associations such as the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and more,” said the PT. Wahyu Promo Citra Project Director and HIITS Event Organiser, Satrio Sukur.
These partnerships serve to support Indonesian businesses in accessing global markets, particularly in Australia, which has become a key focus for exporters. This was noted in a HIITS Corner panel session that highlighted Indonesia’s potential for exporting halal products and services to Australia.
The session accommodated both in-person and virtual participants, thereby showcasing HIITS’ presence beyond geographical limitations.
Joining the session online, the Indonesian Trade Attache in Canberra Agung Haris Setiawan, pointed out the considerable opportunities available in the Australian halal market. He particularly stressed the adoption of the Indonesian Halal Protocol in the region, which can help streamline exports for Indonesian companies.
Indonesia’s standardised halal certification system, including the Indonesian Halal Protocol, offers an advantage for businesses. This consistency across various markets, from Australia to Saudi Arabia and beyond, simplifies compliance for Indonesian exporters. This is particularly relevant for the Australian market, given the growing influence of Indonesian halal cuisine there.
“Indonesian restaurants are well-known for their halal offerings. We are working closely with the Indonesian Culinary Association of Victoria (ICAV), which represents over 60 Indonesian restaurants in the state,” stated Agung Haris.
ICAV won the Primaduta Award, the highest honour awarded in Indonesia for excellence in supporting local businesses abroad. This award recognises ICAV’s role in supporting and promoting Indonesian food culture and fostering business growth in the Australian market.
Agung Haris also mentioned a culinary competition held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Chef Association (ICA). He announced: “We will bring the winner to Australia to be showcased and promoted at one of the festivals held in the country.”
Besides market opportunities, Agung Haris highlighted a crucial aspect of international trade, which is adhering to international standards.
“All products must have clear labelling with product information and nutritional facts in the appropriate language for the target market: English for Anglophone countries, Indonesian for Indonesia, and Arabic for Saudi Arabia.
“While minor variations might exist, all sectors must comply with these core requirements,” he explained.
To help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade, Agung Haris highlighted the valuable resources available on the platform: https://tanya-atdag.au/en/market-intelligence/
This platform utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse user queries. In contrast to the broad results typically generated by traditional search engines, the AI delivers responses that are precisely tailored to the user’s needs.

